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If you love a comforting, cheesy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to adore this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of crispy, golden breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella melted to perfection—all baked in one pan with minimal fuss. This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crunchy panko adding irresistible texture, to the fresh parmesan giving a rich, nutty punch, and the marinara sauce bringing vibrant color and zesty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness while crisping the breadcrumbs on the foil-lined pan.
- 2 chicken breasts (About 1 pound of chicken total): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein with the perfect base for breading and toppings.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumb coating adhere tightly to the chicken.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: Offers a light, flaky crunch that elevates the texture far beyond regular crumbs.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated): Delivers a sharp, salty flavor that deepens the overall taste and helps brown the crust.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herby Mediterranean warmth that complements the cheese and sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides subtle savory undertones, enhancing the savory depth of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors and makes every bite pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spicy kick to balance richness.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: A vibrant, tangy tomato base that ties everything together with fresh flavor and moisture.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella: Melts into a gooey, bubbly topping that completes the classic chicken parmesan experience.
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional, for garnish): Brings a fresh, bright finish to the dish, adding a touch of color and herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by lining a baking sheet with foil and brushing it lightly with olive oil. This keeps the chicken from sticking and helps create a crispy crust. Then, adjust your oven rack to the second from the top position and preheat your oven to 400°F—setting the stage for perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 2: Butterfly and Pound the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally, so you have two thinner pieces rather than one thick one. Then, place them in a gallon-sized zip-top bag or between cling wrap and gently pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout baking.
Step 3: Season and Prepare Coatings
Pat your chicken pieces dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Next, in one shallow dish combine panko, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for a flavorful, crispy coating. In another dish, whisk your egg until smooth—this will help the breading stick beautifully.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated and gently press down to help the crumbs adhere completely—this step is key to that crunch we all crave!
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake on the second rack from the top for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden and crisp. This stage sets the foundation for the final deliciousness.
Step 6: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Broil
Flip each chicken piece, spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over it, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella. Pop the pan back into the oven, turn on the broiler setting, and let the cheese bubble, melt, and brown for 2-4 minutes. Watch closely to get that perfect golden-top perfection without burning.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly minced parsley adds a lovely pop of green that brightens the plate and highlights the richness of the cheese and sauce. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic or buttery garlic bread. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad provide a nice textural and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chicken parmesan on a bed of creamy polenta or nestled atop roasted vegetables. You could also create individual portions in ramekins with layers of marinara and cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal or reheat for another satisfying dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan for up to three months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can finish with a quick broil for a minute or two to re-crisp the topping.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness, but you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can be thicker and may take longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain that lovely crunch without gluten.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake, which makes dinner prep much easier on busy days.
What marinara sauce works best?
Use your favorite quality marinara—whether homemade or store-bought. Look for one with fresh ingredients and balanced acidity to complement the chicken and cheese perfectly.
How can I make this healthier?
To lighten the dish, try using part-skim mozzarella and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also bake on a wire rack to let excess oil drip away, keeping the crust crispy without extra fats.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. The crispy coating, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese come together in a way that feels satisfying yet easy enough to make any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own special go-to comfort dish!
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Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian-American favorite with a crispy panko coating, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this baked version is a healthier alternative to fried chicken parmesan without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (About 1 pound of chicken total)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoon minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet and oven: Line a baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with olive oil. Adjust the oven rack to the second position from the top and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut and flatten the chicken breasts: Cut each chicken breast in half by slicing through the middle as if butterflying, but cut all the way through to create two equal-sized pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in a single layer, seal it, and pound to an even thickness using a meat pounder or rolling pin. Alternatively, place the chicken between two layers of cling wrap to pound evenly.
- Season the chicken: Remove the chicken from the bag and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the breading mixture: In a shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Whisk the egg: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg until well blended.
- Bread the chicken pieces: Dip each chicken piece first into the whisked egg, then coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere, then place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all pieces.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet on the preheated oven rack and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Add sauce and cheese, then broil: Carefully flip each piece of chicken. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each piece, then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven, turn on the broiler, and broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the chicken begin to brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with minced parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs gives a lighter, crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Flattening the chicken evenly ensures even cooking and tender bites.
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for variation.
- Watch the chicken closely under the broiler to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
